Betty Sobottka

My Mom grew up as an only child on a farm in Eastern Europe and lived happily surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins, until being displaced by Russian soldiers in the Second World War. For many years she toiled finding a way to survive with her mom until finally landing in East Germany.

Never wanting to settle for her current state and yearning for a better life she eventually walked to freedom in West Germany in 1951. There she met the man she would marry, and she followed him to Canada. In Canada she raised a daughter and a son and a couple of boisterous grandsons from time to time.

My Mom knew how to work, how to persevere and how to think. She smiled often. Quoting her father when times were tough, she would say, “Have you tried”? Recalling her Oma, whom she loved dearly, she was also fond of saying, “People think, but God decides.”

She survived the loss of her husband in 1998, then survived several bouts with cancer. But eventually, she could not survive a long struggle against a debilitating disease combined with the insufferable long-term care provided by the province of Alberta. Just two weeks after celebrating her 95th birthday with many friends over several days, she succumbed quickly and peacefully in her sleep.

Her passing should not be mourned for she is certainly surrounded by her loved ones who preceded her to heaven. Instead, her life should be celebrated and fondly remembered by those to whom she was a mom - my Mom - an Oma, and a good friend.

Der Herr ist Sonne und Schild.